Overview & Reviews

Chrysler's Eagle brand was nothing if not eclectic. Comprised of several badge-engineered cars with French, Japanese or American origins, Eagle aimed at would-be import buyers through various market segments. The brand as a whole never caught on, but of the five automobiles to wear its badge, the Eagle Talon developed the most enthusiastic following.

There was good reason to get enthused. The Eagle Talon was always a rather striking sports coupe. In its top-level trim, it came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. This potent combination made the Talon one of the quickest sports coupes of the 1990s. Versatility -- a benefit of the car's hatchback body style -- and value were also big draws.

Of course, this description also fits the Mitsubishi Eclipse, the car that gave the Eagle Talon its heart and soul. These two cars, as well as the short-lived Plymouth Laser, were a result of the Diamond Star Motors (or DSM) joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi. Eagle was able to specify the Talon's look via some differences in the body, such as different wheels and spoilers, a black-colored roof, and in the later years, some flamboyant displays of flash. But in terms of mechanicals, the Talon (and Laser) shared all its sibling's traits.

Not all of those traits were favorable. Despite all the speed and technology, not everyone took joy in piloting the Eagle Talon. It was no model of handling refinement, and perhaps most importantly, lower-level Talons weren't much faster or exciting to drive than a common economy car.

The Talon's fate was sealed after the DSM partnership fizzled in the early 1990s. Mitsubishi continued to build the Eclipse into the new millennium, but Eagle didn't follow. The Talon has thus gone down in history as a relative of only the first two generations of Eclipse. As a choice for a used sport coupe, both generations of the turbo AWD cars offer plenty of bang for the enthusiast buck as well as considerable performance potential for the hot-rodding crowd. But if you find these or the lower-level Eagle Talons not to your liking, well-regarded competitors like the Acura Integra or Honda Prelude should be considered.

Most Recent Eagle Talon

The second-generation Eagle Talon was sold from 1995-'98. Its base-level powertrain consisted of a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 140 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. In contrast to the previous generation's base setups, this powertrain was borrowed from the then-new Dodge Neon.

The Talon's step-up powertrain was still a turbocharged 2.0-liter Mitsubishi four-cylinder, though it now came with a quicker-acting Garrett turbocharger and kicked up 210 horses (205 with the automatic). It came with its own five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic, and with or without all-wheel drive (AWD). All Talons enjoyed a meaningful upgrade in suspension hardware, with more sophisticated double wishbones replacing the former front struts in front and a multilink suspension now on the rear of all models. A richer interior with dual front airbags and a bigger cargo hold were further advances.

The Talon debuted with trim lines of ESi, TSi and TSi AWD. The ESi was the slow-mo version and came only with a basic radio, cloth-and-vinyl seats, tilt steering column, and rear wiper and spoiler. The turbocharged TSi added a sport suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, power mirrors, rear defroster, cloth seats, leather steering wheel, a cargo net and an upgraded stereo with cassette. The TSi AWD had that equipment plus power windows and locks, cruise control and slightly wider tires (on manual models). As for options, the lesser trims could be had with the TSi AWD's convenience features, and leather upholstery and a power driver seat were optional on all TSi models. The TSi AWD could also be equipped with a limited-slip rear differential. Options on all Talons included air-conditioning, a sunroof and antilock brakes.

This generation of the Eagle Talon underwent most of its changes in 1997. That year an even more stripped-down base Talon debuted without the ESi's spoiler, radio, digital clock or intermittent wipers. Non-turbo models lost their rear wiper and rear disc brakes, while the TSi AWD upgraded to 17-inch wheels. Styling on all Talons grew even more outlandish, notable for the supersized Eagle badge in front and a new airplane-like wing out back. Depowered airbags marked a final change in 1998, when the Talon exited the scene and took the Eagle brand with it.

For the performance enthusiast, the base and ESi-grade Talons should be quickly forgotten. Their engine was rough, noisy and capable only of economy-car acceleration, and the accompanying manual transmission was a chore to shift. Their glazed-donut-like tires (sized P195/70R14) contributed little to handling acuity and were helped in no part by the Talon's hefty weight. Steering was quick, at least, and the new independent suspension provided reasonable comfort and composure, but overall, consider this an Eagle with its wings clipped.

Honestly, the Talon is all about the turbos. Its 210 hp put it at the front of the sport-compact pack, and its 214 pound-feet of torque could give a shove in the back that no Honda or Acura engine could offer. Moreover, the Talon's all-wheel drive was truly one-of-a-kind, letting it dig hard into dry corners and hold its line on wet ones. Downsides included a slight vagueness to the steering and shifter and excessive body roll, which, some argued, made it less fun than the Prelude or Integra.

Finding a turbocharged Eagle Talon of this generation that's clean and in good running condition might be a challenge. Even the newest model is at least 10 years old and many previous owners have no doubt been keen on modifying their cars for enhanced performance. Base models, despite their lack of desirability, will likely have led an easier life and could still hold sway for someone just wanting a sporty-looking sport hatchback.

Past Eagle Talon models

The first-generation Talon was sold from 1990-'94. In contrast to the second-generation Talon, the early model was pitched as the classy member in the Eclipse-Talon-Laser family, as it came only with the two most potent engines: a 2.0-liter twin-cam four-cylinder with 135 hp, and a turbo version of the same with 195 (190 with front-wheel-drive, 180 with an automatic transmission).

Again, a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic were the transmission choices, with all-wheel drive optional on the turbo model. The rear suspension on front-drive Talons was a decidedly primitive torsion beam, but unlike its successor, most models had generous 16-inch wheels and all had four-wheel disc brakes.

The Eagle Talon originally came in base, TSi and TSi AWD trims. Base Talons had power steering, a rear spoiler and defroster, power mirrors, a tilt steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo. The TSi added the turbo engine, foglights, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, and a multi-adjustable driver seat. The TSi AWD added alloy wheels (except in 1990), a superior multilink rear suspension (sport-tuned all around) and limited-slip center and rear differentials. Available to all were air-conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, uplevel stereos with graphic equalizers, rear wiper, alloy wheels and a pop-up sunroof. Leather seats were optional on turbos.

Antilock brakes became available across the line in 1991, the year when turbo models became available with the automatic transmission. All Talons sported more modern styling for 1992 via exposed headlights that replaced the previous pop-up units, and new taillights and wheels. This generation's last change came for 1993, when a new DL model was added to the bottom with manual steering (power optional), 14-inch wheels and a 92-hp, 1.8-liter engine.

With each of the Talon DL's horses carrying 30 pounds on their backs, expect no more than Geo-grade acceleration in this sad mockery of a sport coupe. Midgrade Talons were markedly livelier and hit 60 mph in the mid 8-second range, quite respectable for the era. Quick steering response and aggressive tires made handling nimble, though there was coarse engine and road noise to go with it.

Again, the only truly special Talon was the turbocharged one, as it simply blew away import competitors upon its release. Car magazines at the time tested the AWD car doing zero to 60 mph in the mid 6-second range. But given their age, first-generation Eagle Talons, especially ones in good condition, are a rare sight on the road today.

User Reviews:

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  198k and Going Strong! - 1995 Eagle Talon
  By MOMO - October 1 - 3:19 pm

  I am the original buyer back in 95! Paid $26k for her, and its been an awesome car. I do all the maintenance thats required, when needed. I did not get 198k miles by not taking very,very good care of her. So far, Ive done the following since the day she was bought: 1. Timing belt twice (Required maint) 2. New suspension ( struts all around once ) I do all work! 3. New Dash ( Messed up the original ) 4. New Power steering rack in 08 5. New Stereo all around in 02 6. New heater core in 08 ( Mice!! ) 7. Brakes when needed, Rotors Once 8. Basic Tune ups when needed, Plugs filters. 8. New Rebuilt Turbo ( x2 ) 9. New Valve Cover The engine is Original, and is clean as they come.

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  transmission - 1995 Eagle Talon
  By killdatalon - May 30 - 11:35 pm

  I bought this car with the intention of a reliable car well I got the car with around 85,000 miles and I thought huh should be good low miles just getting broke in. Nope that was not the case bout two months of driving timing belt timing gears and water pump all at one time. Then bout two weeks later the master cylinder for clutch started leakin. I was like ok there should be any more problems for a while then bout 8 months after purchase the trans blew a hole in the side of it I was like noway well I got one out of junk yard for 500 bucks and again 5 months later the same happened again all I have to say is the car was probably a good little car when it was new but if you by one used beware.

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  Now Very Rare for parts - 1991 Eagle Talon
  By Richard - May 23 - 2:49 pm

  As of 2009 replacement parts are becoming next to impossible, electronic part failure may mean weeks with out a running vehicle. I purchased mine new in 1991 and loved it. But like having an elderly dog it comes time to put it down. "was" a great car.... If your looking at picking one up cheap, theres a reason its a good deal, you will be forking over money to your mechanic hand over fist.

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  Fun like a gorgeous high-maint. wife - 1992 Eagle Talon
  By Computer Geek - May 14 - 8:42 am

  From the test drive on, I loved it. Its fast, fun, fun and fun. Just like a gorgeous girlfriend, I loved taking it out and showing it off. Boy, I was a proud man. After a couple of years, I noticed that the alternator just didnt keep pace with the demands of electronics. Ive gone through about 5 alternators & about 10 batteries. Im now on my third water pump. Im actually happy that the original starter is still working. What Im trying to say is, keeping up with maintenance on this car has been more than what I expected. This is especially true of the need to replace the timing belt at regular intervals. Its a fun car but being married to her takes a lot of work!

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  Belt Problems - 1998 Eagle Talon
  By Bobs Garage - November 26 - 1:00 pm

  Got this car about a year and a half ago and its thrown the power steering belt 8 times and its gotten to the point where I cant rely on the car to get from point a to point b. Doesnt help that I had to replace the clutch 2 months after purchasing the car. Definitely would not buy another.

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  The Ultimate Eagle Talon - 1998 Model - 1998 Eagle Talon
  By Al Simmons - October 31 - 5:16 am

  I owned a 1992 Eagle Talon from 92-97 and have hated myself ever since for trading it in (family, big cars, no fun). Never wanted another sports car (not a car dude, but LOVED the Talon styling - especially the bump on the hood). Talon always had more aggressive body styling than its twin, the Eclipse. To make a long story short, recently I was in the market for a new car, and, just for fun, I Googled for the ultimate (style-wise) Talon - the 1998. Found my dream car 100 miles away in NoCal, Turbo, Red, only 37,000 miles (!!!) Had no idea how rare it was (only 4307 made!) - I bought it the next morning. Driving is FUN AGAIN! It was like getting re-acquainted with an old friend.

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  1998 Eagle Talon ESi - 1998 Eagle Talon
  By avril89lavigne - September 10 - 10:03 pm

  The car so far has done well. One common problem though, is the cracked head gasket (which is expensive to fix). My car has many extras so of course, there is more to go wrong. But so far, its been a good car.

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  great car - 1992 Eagle Talon
  By coastsiDSM - April 6 - 8:20 pm

  Ive owned a Jeep xj 4x4, a Mazda mx-6 (v6) and the talon, and it is by far the fastest, most reliable, fun car to drive/own.

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  What a whip - 1995 Eagle Talon
  By D-Lock - February 14 - 6:55 am

  Step on it and go. At ten years old with multiple mechanical problems related to abuse i still blow past other cars with ease. (till my blown shocks hit a pothole)

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  Most reliable, cool car ever - 1995 Eagle Talon
  By JC - November 28 - 10:51 pm

  I never owned a more reliable car than this one, even after 8 years of driving one. I have never ever had a problem withthis car other than a sensor light and now, the paint is beginning to fade and come off. It always starts, always performs, has never let me down. Its economical, fun to drive, and has an awesome sound system. Wish they still made em...Id get another in a heartbeat....